India to host 2023 ICC World Cup, Afghanistan for maiden Test as per new FTP

Team India will play 81 matches in the new FTP of 2019-2023 season across formats.

It seems like the request of fewer matches from Team India and Virat Kohli has fallen onto deaf ears, as the new Future Tours Programme (FTP) for 2019-2023, will see Team India playing a total of 81 matches across all formats, 30 more than the current FTP.

The new Future Tours Programme was agreed upon by all members during the BCCI SGM on Monday. The new FTP will see India playing some high profile series against England, South Africa and Australia.

However, one of the most significant decisions taken during the FTP was that India will host Afghanistan for a first ever Test match between the two nations. “Afghans were scheduled to play their first Test in 2019 versus Australia but considering the historic relationship between India and Afghanistan, we decided to host their first Test," said BCCI acting secretary Amitabh Choudhary.

India will also host the 2023 ICC World Cup as the lone host and will also be hosting the next edition of ICC Champions trophy.

The BCCI SGM also saw the ban on Rajasthan Cricket Association lifted on the condition of Lalit Modi staying away from its functioning.

BCCI also stood firm on its stance on dope testing of cricketers, saying NADA has no role in testing Indian players, as the board complies with WADA.